Chapter 1262:


    “Maia, forgive me…” he began softly.


    Before he could say more, thunderous apuse rolled through the hall like a crashing wave, swallowing every trace of his voice.


    Maia’s brows tightened, her eyes fixed on the stage ahead. She didn’t even nce Ethan’s way, her faceposed yet distant. It was as though she had sealed herself away from himpletely.


    Ethan faltered, lowering his head. The urge to apologize again pressed against his chest, but the words refused toe. His throat felt tight, locked by remorse.


    Even though Ethan sat right beside Maia, it felt as though an invisible wall had risen between them—cold, unyielding, and impossible to cross.


    A suffocating heaviness settled in his chest, and the echo of Maia’s earlier words refused to fade. “Whoever I choose to be with is my decision. Even as my brother, you must respect my choices…”


    It was a tone of gravity he had never heard from her before, a moment he never thought he’d witness.


    Not even the thunderous apuse could mask the disappointment in Maia’s tone.


    Ethan’s hands curled into tight fists, guilt wing at him until his knuckles turned white. Overwhelmed by remorse, hepletely failed to notice the host’s introduction.


    Another wave of startled voices filled the air. “Look! It’s the CEO of Cooper Group, the famous ice queen herself, Ms. Kiley Cooper!”


    “Oh my god! Her outfit tonight is breathtaking! I didn’t think anyone could rival Maia’s look.”


    “When ites to grace, Kiley stands equal to Maia. Besides, shees from a distinguished family and became Cooper Group’s CEO at such a young age. Her potential is limitless.”


    Ethan lifted his head, his gaze drawn to the stage.


    Beside the host stood a woman dressed in a sleek ck evening gown. The neckline was clean and understated, its lines flowing smoothly to entuate her form. The tailored waist hugged her frame perfectly, while the in fabric, free of decoration, made her silhouette even more striking.


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    Her hair was styled with wless precision, and the cool-toned earrings she wore shimmered faintly beneath the lights, like stars scattered across a night sky. A faint,posed smile graced her lips—one that carried the effortless dignity of a queen untouched by the world around her.


    The guests were left speechless, their awe filling the air, while the live stream exploded with admiration.


    “Ms. Cooper’s presence is incredible! She’s breathtaking!”


    “I’m now a fan of Kiley Cooper!”


    Kiley’s eyes swept across the glittering hall, her gaze sharp and deliberate before settling on Maia.


    “As the CEO of Cooper Group, it’s an honor to wee you all tonight. To me, this event is more than a press conference or a charity g—it’s an opportunity to connect and celebrate excellence.” She paused, her lips curving into a subtle smile. “I’d especially like to thank one remarkable guest—Ms. Maia Watson. Maia isn’t just MCN’s chief designer, known by the name Eileen. She’s also the acimedposer K, the artist Matias, and the heroine who acted fearlessly during the Harmony za incident. Her presence tonight promises to surprise and inspire us all.”


    As Kiley finished, a wave of astonishment rippled through the crowd. Whispered questions filled the air, particrly among foreign guests unfamiliar with Maia’s name.


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